Not the Plot

Teena
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Conversations about books, art and living a creative life.

  1. Sep 2

    Veronica Rooke - Balancing creativity and practicality for artistic success

    Send us Fan Mail Veronica Rooke can trace her artistic career back to her first year in primary school when she started writing and illustrating wacky stories and announced she was going to be an artist. At the time no one appreciated her crayon masterpieces, said she was a bit weird and suggested a different career choice might be more appropriate. Veronica chose not to listen to her critics, followed her dream and went on to become a cartoonist, comic creator, graphic artist, book cover designer, picture book illustrator, workshop presenter and story mentor.  In this episode of Not the Plot she chats with host Teena Raffa-Mulligan about overcoming obstacles, balancing creativity and practicality, and the joy she finds in creating artwork for clients.  Her message to anyone contemplating a creative path is: Be more stubborn than the problem you're facing, and do the hard stuff because that's how you will learn and grow. Thank you for listening. Find out more about Not the Plot host Teena Raffa-Mulligan at https://www.teenaraffamulligan.com or follow her FB author page https://www.facebook.com/TeenaRaffaMulligan You can also sign up for her occasional newsletter at http://bit.ly/2gqsJz3

    Veronica Rooke - Balancing creativity and practicality for artistic success

  2. Aug 16

    Katie Stewart - Creating picture books with heart

    Send us Fan Mail Katie Stewart has worked in a variety of jobs, from archaeologist to school library assistant, but illustrating was what she always wanted to do, with writing coming in a close second. So, it’s only natural that she eventually got around to writing and illustrating children’s books, albeit somewhat late in life. Born in the north of England, Katie came to Australia at the age of 9. She soon fell in love with the Australian birds and other wildlife (except snakes and spiders which she would rather avoid) and now incorporates them into her stories. She has twice been shortlisted for the Australian Speech Pathology Book of the Year awards and once for the WA Premiers Book Awards.  In this episode of Not the Plot, she chats with host Teena Raffa-Mulligan about her path to publication as an author/illustrator, her creative process, and her thoughts on the decline in children's literacy. Katie also shares a memorable childhood moment that has had a lasting influence and offers several tips for aspiring author/illustrators. * Practice.  * Involve yourself with books and the writing community. * Don't give up. Keep trying.  Find out more about Katie and her books:   https://www.katiestewartauthorillustrator.com/ https://www.instagram.com/katiestewartillustrator/ https://www.facebook.com/KatieStewartAuthorIllustrator/ Thank you for listening. Find out more about Not the Plot host Teena Raffa-Mulligan at https://www.teenaraffamulligan.com or follow her FB author page https://www.facebook.com/TeenaRaffaMulligan You can also sign up for her occasional newsletter at http://bit.ly/2gqsJz3

    Katie Stewart - Creating picture books with heart

  3. Aug 8

    KQ Watson - Writing on the darker side

    Send us Fan Mail K. Q. Watson’s author bio is intriguing. She describes herself as a ‘one legged Canadian who likes The Dark Crystal more than she will ever like you’ and ‘the cyborg that you don’t take home to meet your parents’. She looks innocuous and gentle, but there are oodles of satanic death metal songs continually playing in her head. Sometimes, when she’s all alone, she thinks back to some of her favourite episodes of Intervention and the best scenes from The People Under the Stairs.  KQ says the characters in her head keep her sane and she writes because what else is she going to do? In this episode of Not the Plot, she chats with host Teena Raffa-Mulligan about writing from lived experience, trigger warnings and sensitivity readers, the validity of 'downer' endings, and how her writing group keeps her accountable.  Her top tip for authors: Start writing. Make friends with your characters and get to know them. Find out more about KQ Watson and her books: https://www.amazon.com/stores/K.-Q.-Watson/author/B0DTHBSG56 https://kqwatson.carrd.co/ TRIGGER WARNING: THIS EPISODE MENTIONS SUICIDE Thank you for listening. Find out more about Not the Plot host Teena Raffa-Mulligan at https://www.teenaraffamulligan.com or follow her FB author page https://www.facebook.com/TeenaRaffaMulligan You can also sign up for her occasional newsletter at http://bit.ly/2gqsJz3

    KQ Watson - Writing on the darker side

  4. Jul 31

    Justine Robertson - Exploring human darkness

    Send us Fan Mail Justine Robertson has always been an avid reader, tracing her ‎passion back to the moment she was handed her first ‎take-home books at the age of four: Peter and Jane. ‎ That love for reading blossomed into a newfound passion for writing several years ago and her debut novel, Needing, the first in a series of psychological thrillers for young adults, was released in 2024. Wanting followed in 2025 and Committing was released this year. When she is not writing, Justine immerses herself ‎in the joys of family life with her husband and two children. She lives in ‎Perth, Western Australia where their shared ‎moments create the tapestry of their lives.  In this episode of Not the Plot she chats with host Teena Raffa-Mulligan about why she writes dark psychological thrillers, her path to publication, and what she would do differently if starting over as an author.   Find out more about Justine and her books here: https://www.facebook.com/p/Justine-Robertson-Author-61553630274559/ https://www.amazon.com/stores/Justin-Robertson/author/B094NVD48N Thank you for listening. Find out more about Not the Plot host Teena Raffa-Mulligan at https://www.teenaraffamulligan.com or follow her FB author page https://www.facebook.com/TeenaRaffaMulligan You can also sign up for her occasional newsletter at http://bit.ly/2gqsJz3

    Justine Robertson - Exploring human darkness

  5. Jul 17

    Polly Holmes - Getting cosy with mystery

    Send us Fan Mail Australian author Polly Holmes delights readers with paranormal and culinary cozy mysteries bursting with charm, mischief, and a dash of magic. Her stories blend action, humour, and unforgettable characters, creating page‑turning adventures that linger long after the final chapter.  ​When the clues turn darker and the stakes rise, she writes as P.L. Harris, delivering gripping paranormal and contemporary romances filled with heart‑pounding suspense and irresistible heat. ​Both pen names belong to an internationally recognised, multi‑award‑winning storyteller. Her work has been celebrated across the Daphne du Maurier Awards, the RWAus Ruby and Sapphire Awards, the Silver Falchion Awards, the Davitt Awards longlist, and numerous national business and literary honours. ​When she’s not conjuring mysteries or crafting romance, Polly can be found in her favourite café with a coffee in hand, rewatching classic whodunits, or strolling along the beach soaking up the salty Western Australian air. In this episode of Not the Plot, host Teena Raffa Mulligan learns how Polly found her niche, the writers who have influenced her, and the value of finding her tribe. Polly also shares an insight into her process, switching between genres, hat she would have done differently as an aspiring author, and the interesting hobby she finds mind calming. Her takeaway tip for writers: Don't take advice on face value.  Find out more about Polly Holmes: https://www.pollyholmesmysteries.com/https://www.pollyholmesmysteries.com/  https://www.facebook.com/pollyholmesauthor https://www.instagram.com/plharris_pollyholmes_author/https://www.instagram.com/plharris_pollyholmes_author/ Thank you for listening. Find out more about Not the Plot host Teena Raffa-Mulligan at https://www.teenaraffamulligan.com or follow her FB author page https://www.facebook.com/TeenaRaffaMulligan You can also sign up for her occasional newsletter at http://bit.ly/2gqsJz3

    Polly Holmes - Getting cosy with mystery

  6. Jul 11

    Kat Richardson - Taking the path to creative freedom

    Send us Fan Mail Kat Richardson is a Tasmanian writer, illustrator and editor. Kat’s creative life started in a small country town, surrounded by books, animals, magic and a handful of brilliant teachers who made space for storytelling. She spent her childhood filling notebooks with sentences and scribbles, and daydreaming about making books and says she hasn’t really stopped. These days she helps other authors shape their stories. In conversation with Not the Plot host Teena Raffa-Mulligan, Kat shares how she works on personal creative projects and with authors, where she draws her inspiration for art and stories, and the challenge of making a switch from corporate role to freelance creative.  Kat's top tip for aspiring authors and illustrators: Try different media, styles and niches. Test the waters and find what suits you best.  Find out more about Kat: https://www.peskyploverstudio.com/ https://www.instagram.com/peskyploverstudio/ Thank you for listening. Find out more about Not the Plot host Teena Raffa-Mulligan at https://www.teenaraffamulligan.com or follow her FB author page https://www.facebook.com/TeenaRaffaMulligan You can also sign up for her occasional newsletter at http://bit.ly/2gqsJz3

    Kat Richardson - Taking the path to creative freedom

  7. Jul 3

    Kylie Howarth - Winning young readers

    Send us Fan Mail Kylie Howarth is an award-winning children’s book author and illustrator from Perth. She was raised in the country alongside her brother, dog, sheep, several orphaned kangaroos and one very cheeky echidna.   Kylie’s obsession with animals also extends underwater as she has braved lionfish in Egypt, piranha and pink dolphins in the Amazon, marine iguanas and hammerhead sharks in the Galapagos Islands and swum with whale sharks, manta rays and humpback whales at Ningaloo, Western Australia. In this episode of Not the Plot, Kylie shares where she gets her best ideas, offers an insight into her life as a children's author/illustrator, and highlights the importance of play for creatives.   Kylie's top tips: * Read - especially current releases. * Make time to play and experiment with your art. * Don't fear the hard spots - know they are just part of the creative process and work through them.  Find out more about Kylie: https://www.kyliehowarth.com/ https://www.facebook.com/kyliehowarthcreative/ https://www.instagram.com/kylie_howarth Thank you for listening. Find out more about Not the Plot host Teena Raffa-Mulligan at https://www.teenaraffamulligan.com or follow her FB author page https://www.facebook.com/TeenaRaffaMulligan You can also sign up for her occasional newsletter at http://bit.ly/2gqsJz3

    Kylie Howarth - Winning young readers

  8. Jun 26

    Leanne White - Inspired by wildlife, wild spaces and places

    Send us Fan Mail Leanne White is an accomplished artist, children’s book author, illustrator, publisher and visual arts educator who teaches painting and drawing to children and adults. She believes everyone can create, they just need the freedom to know they can. Leanne’s own paintings and drawings are often studies of wildlife in their natural habitat and wild creatures, wild spaces and places are her passion.  In this episode of Not the Plot she shares some of the experiences that have shaped her as a wildlife artist, her creative process, and the different approach required for gallery artwork and picture book illustration. Leanne also offers an insight into maintaining a long-term creative career and has a simple, yet important message for anyone considering a similar path: Get started and keep at it.  Find out more about Leanne and her work  https://leannewhite.com/ https://www.facebook.com/leannewhiteartist/ https://www.instagram.com/leanne_white_art/ Thank you for listening. Find out more about Not the Plot host Teena Raffa-Mulligan at https://www.teenaraffamulligan.com or follow her FB author page https://www.facebook.com/TeenaRaffaMulligan You can also sign up for her occasional newsletter at http://bit.ly/2gqsJz3

    Leanne White - Inspired by wildlife, wild spaces and places
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About

Conversations about books, art and living a creative life.

Information

  • Creator
    Teena
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    59
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Not the Plot
  • Show Website
    Not the Plot